Residents protest proposed town home development ahead of city council vote

MISSOULA - A new 31-unit town home development is getting pushback from the Missoula neighborhood where it is proposed to be built.

The city council is set to discuss the measure Monday night and may make their final decision.

The new development location is west of Grove Street and south of River Road in the Orchard homes neighborhood.

Neighborhood representatives say the town home development is too dense for the surrounding area. They picketed the city council chambers on Monday because they don't feel that the city council is listening to their concerns.

Spokesperson Bob Harkin says they only have largely single family homes in the area and adding more than 30-town homes to the area will foul up traffic and make the streets unsafe from the extra cars.

Because of a petition that people living in the area signed, the city council must vote a two thirds majority tonight to pass the measure, instead of a simple majority.

"Its surrounded by single family homes," Harkin said. "And to put another 31 homes in a very dense area, is inappropriate for the neighborhood. There's traffic issues, safety issues."

The neighborhood members hope the city council decides to not hold the vote on Monday night, and continue to work with the community before taking any action.